Head and neck strengthening apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Resistance training apparatuses and methods for progressively exercising and strengthening the capital muscles and cervical muscles of the human head and neck. In particular, a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure may have a frame supporting a resistance assembly, a seat assembly, and other components. The strengthening apparatus may be configured to receive a seated user, such as an athlete, trainee, or other individual. The resistance assembly may generally provide resistance, such as weight resistance, for a user to provide one or more head and/or neck strengthening exercises. For example, the user may perform one or more flexion and/or extension exercises with the apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/405,635, entitled Head and Neck Strengthening Apparatus and Method, and filed Oct. 7, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to training and exercise equipment and methods. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for training and exercising head and neck muscles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for strengthening capital and cervical muscles of the human head and neck using weighted resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Concussions have reached epidemic levels. There is no cure for concussions. Likewise, cervical spine injury (CSI) in collision sports continues to be a devastating annual reality. Measures taken to reduce concussions and cervical spine injury have not been effective. The number of concussions in athletics and the general population increases each year. A recent Centers of Disease Control study reported that annual CSI's resulting in permanent quadriplegia in playing football alone vary from 5-12 instances every year in the United States.

The majority of concussion/CSI research is focused on causation and management. Certainly this research is important; however, it does little to nothing in prevention of concussion/CSI since such measures happen after the fact. The research continues but the number of concussions in athletics and the general population increases each year and at best, the number of CSI's are stagnant.

There is a growing preponderance of research that is establishing a significant correlation “between stronger cervical spinal muscles and a higher force absorption rate of the head during concussive impacts to football players” (Black, 2007). Thus, by progressively strengthening the muscles surrounding the cervical spine and the muscles that attach the skull to the cervical spine; there may be an increase in the structural integrity of the head and cervical spine. As these organic structures are strengthened, there may be a higher probability of decreased risk of frequency/severity of concussion/sub-concussion and CSI.

Although there have been neck machines developed in the past to isolate and train the larger strap muscles of the neck, there has been no known apparatus designed to train and isolate the capital muscles of the head that work in concert with the neck muscles to protect the cervical spine and slow the acceleration of the head during impacts and falls.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.

The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a head and neck strengthening apparatus having a seat assembly for supporting a seated user, a resistance assembly, and a frame configured to support the seat assembly and resistance assembly. The resistance assembly may have a work arm configured to pivot about a first axis, and a face pad arranged above the seat assembly and coupled to the work arm. The face pad may be configured to engage the seated user's head. The resistance assembly may additionally have a cam arranged on a cam rod and configured to pivot about the first axis. Moreover, the resistance assembly may have a means for providing a weighted resistance against movement of the work arm and cam about the first axis. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a pivot arm coupled to the work arm and configured to pivot about the first axis. The first axis may bisect a point along the length of the pivot arm. The apparatus may have a movement arm selector configured to position the pivot arm. In some embodiments, the means for providing a weighted resistance may include a weight arm configured to receive a load, and a belt coupled at a first end to the cam and at a second end to the weight arm. The belt may be configured to wrap around the cam as the cam pivots about the first axis. The apparatus may have a torso support arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from a seat portion of the seat assembly, the torso support configured to support a seated user's torso. In some embodiments, the face pad may be pivotably coupled to the work arm and may be configured to receive the front, back, or side of user's head. The apparatus may have a range limiter, in some embodiments, configured to limit a range of pivotable motion of the work arm and cam. The range limiter may be configured to limit pivotable motion of the work arm and cam to a degree of rotation of between 5 and 25 degrees. A torso stabilizing bar having at least one handle may be configured to position a user's trapezius muscle in a relatively fixed position. One or more handles may position the seated user's hands. A foot support may support the seated user's feet. In some embodiments, at least one component of the apparatus may be adjustable.

The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, additionally relates to a method of strengthening a group of muscles. The method may include performing an exercise over a range of motion so as to fatigue a first muscle, and performing the exercise over a smaller range of motion so as to target a second muscle, the second muscle being smaller than the first muscle. In some embodiments, the first muscle may be a neck muscle and the second muscle may be a head muscle. Performing the exercise may include performing a flexion against a weighted resistance. Performing the exercise may include performing an extension against a weighted resistance. In some

The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, additionally relates to a method of strengthening capital and cervical muscles. The method may include performing a neck extension against a weighted resistance, performing a neck flexion against a weighted resistance, performing a neck extension with a reduced range of motion against a weighted resistance, and performing a neck flexion with a reduced range of motion against a weighted resistance. In some embodiments, the method may additionally include performing a neck lateral flexion on a first side against a weighted resistance, and performing a neck lateral flexion on a second side against a weighted resistance. In some embodiments, the weighed resistance may be provided by a head and neck strengthening apparatus having a seat assembly for supporting a seated user, a resistance assembly, and a frame configured to support the seat assembly and resistance assembly. The resistance assembly may have a work arm configured to pivot about a first axis, a face pad coupled to the work arm and configured to engage the seated user's head, a cam arranged on a cam rod and configured to pivot about the first axis, and means for providing a weighted resistance against movement of the work arm and cam about the first axis.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the head and neck strengthening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the head and neck strengthening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the head and neck strengthening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the head and neck strengthening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the head and neck strengthening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an isolated perspective view of a movement arm selector of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an isolated side view of the movement arm selector of FIG. 7, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 is an isolated side view of a range limiter of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 is an isolated perspective view of the range limiter of FIG. 9, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11 is an isolated front view of a seat assembly of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12 is an isolated perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG. 11, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13 is an isolated side view of the seat assembly of FIG. 11, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14 is an isolated side view of a torso stabilizing bar of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15 is an isolated plan view of the torso stabilizing bar of FIG. 14, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16 is an isolated perspective view of the torso stabilizing bar of FIG. 14, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 17 is an isolated end view of a handle configuration of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 18 is an isolated perspective view of the handle configuration of FIG. 17, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 19 is an isolated side view of the handle configuration of FIG. 17, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 20 is an isolated front view of a face pad of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 21 is an isolated perspective view of the face pad of FIG. 20, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 22 is an isolated side view of the face pad of FIG. 20, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 23 is an isolated rear view of a torso support of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 24 is an isolated side view of the torso support of FIG. 23, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a head strap and a face pad of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 26 is an isolated view of a head strap of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 27 is an isolated side view of a rotating cam of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 28A is an isolated side view of a rotating cam of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 28B is an end view of the rotating cam of FIG. 28A, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a foot bar of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure, and showing user orientations for use, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram of a method of use of a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of an exercise sequence of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a novel and advantageous resistance training apparatuses and methods for progressively exercising and strengthening the capital muscles and cervical muscles of the human head and neck. In particular, a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure may have a frame supporting a resistance assembly, a seat assembly, and other components. The strengthening apparatus may be configured to receive a seated user, such as an athlete, trainee, or other individual. The resistance assembly may generally provide resistance, such as weight resistance, for a user to provide one or more head and/or neck strengthening exercises. For example, the user may perform one or more flexion and/or extension exercises with the apparatus. The apparatus may have a work arm providing a face pad against which a user may push or tilt the user's head. Movement of the work arm may generally be resisted by a weight. For example, movement of the work arm may be resisted by a movable weight arm configured to receive a desired amount of weight.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a head and neck strengthening apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is shown, according to one or more embodiments. FIGS. 2-6 provide additional views of the head and neck strengthening apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may generally be configured to provide resistance training such that a user may strengthen head and/or neck muscles. The strengthening apparatus 100 may generally have a frame 102 supporting a seat assembly 104 configured to accommodate a seated user, a torso support 106 configured to support a user's torso, one or more handles 108 in various configurations to help a user stabilize the user's upper torso, and a resistance assembly 110 configured to provide accommodating and/or variable resistance against a user's functional range of motion.

The frame 102 may be configured to support the various structures and assemblies of the apparatus 100. Additionally, the frame 102 may be configured to appropriately position the various structures and assemblies with respect to one another. That is, for example, the frame 102 may position the seat assembly 104, torso support 106, and resistance assembly 110 at suitable or desirable locations for use with respect to one another, such that when a user is seated on or in the seat assembly, the torso support and face pad may be arranged proximate to the user's torso and face respectively. The frame 102 may generally have a plurality of members and cross members arranged to support and position the various components and assemblies. The frame 102 may be constructed of one or more metals, such as steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and/or other metals. In some embodiments, the frame 102 may be constructed with one or more plastics or plastic components. In still other embodiments, the frame 102 may be constructed of other or additional materials. In some embodiments, the frame may be configured for anchoring the apparatus. For example, the frame 102 may have one or more flanges 114 for receiving one or more bolts or screws. As shown for example in FIG. 1, the flanges 114 may be arranged at or near a bottom or lower surface of the frame 102, such that the flanges may be used to bolt the frame to a floor surface, for example. In some embodiments, flanges may additionally or alternatively be arranged at other locations of the frame, configured for anchoring the frame to a wall or other suitable surface or object. In still other embodiments, the frame 102 may be configured for other attachment mechanisms or anchoring mechanisms.

The resistance assembly 110 may be arranged on or in the frame 102, and may generally be configured to provide accommodating and/or variable resistance in response to a user's head and/or neck movements. The resistance assembly 110 may generally include a head or face pad 112 coupled to a pivotable work arm 116. The work arm 116 may be indirectly coupled to a weight arm 118 via a rotating cam 120 (shown for example in FIG. 4). The resistance assembly 110 may be configured such that a user may press his or her head and/or face against the face pad 112, which may in turn tend to cause movement of the weight arm 118 via the cam 120. The resistance assembly 110 may further be configured such that weight may be added to the weight arm 118 to resist the user's head and/or neck movements against the face pad 112.

As indicated above, the head or face pad 112 may be configured to receive a user's head or face as the user presses against the pad. The head or face pad 112 may be coupled to the work arm 116 or to another suitable component of the resistance assembly 110. In some embodiments, the head or face pad 112 may be pivotably coupled to the work arm 116, such that a user may angle the face pad or press against the face pad at various angles or positions. Pivotable movement of the face pad 112 about the work arm 116 may allow for improved isolation and exercise of a user's capital and cervical muscles through their respective ranges of movement. The face pad 112 is shown, according to at least one embodiment, in FIGS. 20-22. In some embodiments, the face pad may have a U-shape or C-shape, such that a user may position his or her nose and mouth within the open portion 122 of the U-shape or C-shape while pressing against the pad 112 with the user's face. The U-shaped or C-shaped pad 112 may additionally be configured to cradle the user's head or face as the user pushes against the pad. In some embodiments, the face pad 112 may have a cushioned surface, such as a foam surface, arranged over a frame. In one embodiment, the face pad 112 may have a multi-layered memory foam cushioned surface. The face pad frame may be a wood, plastic, metal, or other material frame. In one embodiments, the face pad 112 may have a beveled wood frame. The foam padding may allow for a relatively contoured fit on the user's face or head to promote comfort. In some embodiments, the face pad 112 may have MRSA-resistant upholstery configured to discourage infection and promote durability.

The work arm 116 may be configured to position the face pad 112, and may generally extend between the face pad 112 and a pivot arm 124. The work arm 116 may couple to the face pad 112, and may provide for pivotable movement of the face pad about the work arm. That is, for example, the face pad 112 may swivel or rotate about a longitudinal axis of the work arm 116 in some embodiments. The work arm 116 may have any suitable length configured to position the face pad 112. The work arm 116 may couple to the pivot arm 124 at an angle. In some embodiments, the work arm 116 may extend from the pivot arm 124 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the work arm 116 may extend from the pivot arm 124 at an angle of between 45 degrees and 135, or any other suitable angle. The pivot arm 124 may be configured to pivot about an axis of rotation 126 orthogonal to and intersecting the length of the pivot arm. The axis of rotation 126 according to one embodiment may be particularly seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, for example. That is, as a user presses against the face pad 112, the face pad, the work arm 116, and the pivot arm 124 may pivot about the axis of rotation 126. In other embodiments, the work arm 116 and/or pivot arm 124 may be configured to pivot about a different point or axis. The pivot arm 124 may couple to a cam rod 128, shown for example in FIGS. 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the pivot arm may be fixedly coupled to the cam rod 128, such that movement of the work arm 116, and thus movement of the pivot arm, may cause movement of the cam rod. The pivot arm 124 may couple to the cam rod 128 along the axis of rotation 126, such that the cam rod may align with the axis of rotation in some embodiments.

The cam rod 128, which is viewable in FIGS. 5 and 6, may be configured to actuate the cam 120 when a user presses against the face pad 112 or otherwise causes movement of the work arm 116. The cam rod 128 may extend between the pivot arm 124 and the cam 120, and in some embodiments may fixedly couple to the pivot arm and the cam. The cam rod 128 may have any suitable length configured to extend between the pivot arm 124 and the cam 120. The cam rod 128 may additionally be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis, which as described above, may be or may align with the axis 126.

The cam 120 may be configured to rotate about the axis of rotation 126 or another axis of rotation. As described above, the axis of rotation 126 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cam rod 128. The cam 120 may additionally be configured to transform rotary motion into linear motion or vice-versa via a belt 130, cable, or other device. The cam 120, according to at least one embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 27-28B. The cam profile shape, size, and design may be configured to accommodate the concentric and eccentric strength curve that is the human cervical spine so as to provide approximate full-range, direct, and effective loading to help stimulate a desired physiological response.

The cam 120 may generally have any suitable width, height, and thickness. In some embodiments, the cam 120 may have a width of between approximately 1 and approximately 10 inches. Particularly, the cam 120 may have a width of between approximately 2 and approximately 7 inches. More particularly, the cam 120 may have a width of between approximately 4 and approximately 6 inches. In some embodiments, the cam 120 may have a height of between less than one and approximately 8 inches. Particularly, the cam 120 may have a height of between approximately 1 and approximately 5 inches. More particularly, the cam 120 may have a height of between approximately 2 and approximately 3 inches. In some embodiments, the cam 120 may have a width of between less than 1 and approximately 6 inches. Particularly, the cam 120 may have a width of between less than 1 and approximately 4 inches. More particularly, the cam 120 may have a width of between 1 and approximately 2 inches. In other embodiments, the length, width, and height of the cam 120 may have any other suitable dimensions. The cam 120 may have a first opening or hole 138 configured to receive the cam rod 128.

As shown, the perimeter of the cam 120 may have one or more rounded corners and one or more straight edges. The one or more rounded corners may have differing radii and/or the one or more straight edges may have differing lengths. In some embodiments, for example, the cam 120 may have a first 132, second 134, and third 136 rounded corners. The first rounded corner 132 may have a radius of between approximately 0.25 and approximately 5 inches. Particularly, the first rounded corner 132 may have a radius of between approximately 0.75 and approximately 3.5 inches. More particularly, the first rounded corner 132 may have a radius of between approximately 1.25 and approximately 2.25 inches. In some embodiments, the second rounded corner 134 may have a radius of between approximately 0.25 and approximately 4 inches. Particularly, the second rounded corner 134 may have a radius of between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2.5 inches. More particularly, the second rounded corner 134 may have a radius of between approximately 0.75 and approximately 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the third rounded corner 136 may have a radius of between less than 0.25 and approximately 3 inches. Particularly, the third rounded corner 136 may have a radius of between approximately 0.25 and approximately 1.5 inches. More particularly, the third rounded corner 136 may have a radius of between approximately 0.5 and approximately 1.25 inches. In other embodiments, the first 132, second 134, and third 136 rounded corners may have any other suitable radii.

The perimeter of the cam 120 may be configured such that the belt 130 wraps around at least a portion of the perimeter during an exercise motion. The cam 120 may generally provide varied resistance to accommodate a strength curve of a user's muscle(s) during an exercise. For example, in use, the cam 120 may begin in a resting state, wherein the belt 130 may be arranged across two sides and one radius, such as the first radius 132, of the cam. As a user applies force to the work arm 116, the pivot arm 124 may pivot and the cam rod 128 may rotate, which may in turn cause the cam 120 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cam rod. As the cam 120 rotates with respect to the belt 130, the cam may operate as a third class lever arm with respect to the belt. Rotation of the cam 120 may cause the belt 130 to wrap around a different radiused corner, such as the second radiused corner 134, of the cam. As the cam 120 continues to rotate, the belt 130 may transition to wrapping around another radiused corner, such as the third radiused corner 136, of the cam. In this way, the varying radii of the cam 120 may operate to vary the lever arm with respect to the belt 130 and thus vary the resistance against the work arm 116. This may provide for, for example, more resistance where a user may apply more force to the work arm 116 due to a muscle strength curve, and/or less resistance where a user may apply less force to the work arm due to a muscle strength curve. Particularly, in some embodiments, a larger radius may provide higher resistance, while a smaller radius may provide less resistance. This may provide for relatively consistent or continuous loading against a user's muscle(s) throughout a range of motion.

It is to be appreciated that, whereas force outcomes may change about the third class “rotary” levers that are the human cervical spine, the load may generally be configured to safely and effectively provide the appropriate resistance relative to changing joint angles and moment arms. The cam profile shape, size, and design may be configured to facilitate higher loading where the user's motion is biomechanically easier, and/or lower loading where the user's motion is biomechanically more challenging. The cam profile shape, size, and design may also allow the user to pause in the midrange of an exercise. Finally, since higher loads can be lowered, the cam may provide an increased loading during the eccentric/lowering phase of the exercise. That is, the shape and design of the cam may be configured to provide higher resistance during an eccentric portion of a user's exercise. This may be beneficial because individuals can typically lower more weight than they can lift due to muscular friction and/or other considerations. For example, in some embodiments, as a user performs a concentric or lifting portion of an exercise, the belt 130 may wrap progressively around the first 132, second 134, and third 136 radiused corners of the cam 120. As the user performs an eccentric or lowering portion of the exercise, the belt 130 may unwrap or unwind progressively from the third 136, second 134, and first 132 radiused corners of the cam 120. In this way, the resistance provided by the differing radii of the cam 120 may decrease during the concentric or lifting portion of the exercise, as the belt 130 wraps around progressively smaller radii, but increase during the eccentric or lowering portion of the exercise as the belt unwraps from progressively larger radii.

In some embodiments, the belt 130, cable or other suitable flexible material may extend between the cam 120 and the weight arm 118, and may generally be configured to transfer motion between the cam and the weight arm. In some embodiments, the belt 130 may couple to the cam 120 at a first end, and may couple to the weight arm 118 at a second end. The belt 130 may be configured to pass over or around at least a portion of an outer edge of the cam 120, such as along the cam profile, as the cam rotates. In this way, as the cam 120 rotates, and the belt 130 wraps around it, the length of the belt extending between the cam and weight arm 118 may shorten such that the belt may pull the weight arm toward the cam. The belt 130 may have any suitable length configured to wrap around at least a portion of the cam 120 and pull the weight arm cam 118. In some embodiments, the belt 130 may pass across or through one or more sheaves or pullies.

The weight arm 118 may be configured to receive one or more weight objects, such as one or more standard weight training plates or similar weight objects via, for example, a weight receiving bar 140. For example, the weight arm 118 may have a weight receiving peg 140 sized to extend through a central opening in one or more circular training plates. The weight arm 118 may further be configured to provide resistance as a user pushes against the face pad 112 or otherwise pushes or pulls the movement arm 116. The weight arm 118 may be pivotably coupled to the frame 102 in some embodiments, such that as the belt 130 pulls on the weight arm, the weight arm may pivot about its connection to the frame.

In some embodiments, the strengthening apparatus 100 may additionally include a range limiter 142 configured to limit a particular range of motion of the resistance assembly 110. The range limiter 142 may be appreciated from FIGS. 2-4, and is shown, according to at least one embodiment, in FIGS. 9-10. The range limiter 142 may be configured to limit a range of motion of the resistance assembly 110 by, in some embodiments, restricting a range of motion of the weight arm 118. For example, the range limiter 142 may be coupled to the frame 102, and may extend toward the weight arm 118 so as to contact the weight arm as the weight arm pivots toward the range limiter. In other embodiments, the range limiter 142 may operate to limit motion of the resistance assembly 110 by limiting movement of a different component. The range limiter 142 may have an inner tube 144 or arm housed within a tube housing 146. In some embodiments, the range limiter 142 may have one or more selectable lengths or positions, such that an amount of range limitation may be chosen by a user. For example, the inner tube 144 may have one or more holes configured to align with one or more holes on the tube housing 146, and further configured to receive a pin 148. In some embodiments, the range limiter 142 may have two selectable positions such that the range limiter may be disengaged or engaged (by lengthening the range limiter for example). In some embodiments, in a disengaged position, the weight arm 118 may have a full range of motion for which it is configured. In some embodiments, in the engaged position, the weight arm 118 may have a range of motion of between 1 and 50 degrees, for example. Particularly, the range limiter 142 may limit the range of motion of the weight arm 118 to between 5 and 38 degrees. More particularly, the range limiter 142 may limit the range of motion of the weight arm 118 to between 10 and 25 degrees. The range limiter 142 may help to effectively isolate and exercise the capital muscles of the head.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may have a movement arm selector 150 configured to allow a user to select a positioning of the work arm 116. The movement arm selector 150 is shown, according to at least one embodiment, in FIGS. 7-8. The movement arm selector 150 may be or include a plate 152 coupled to the frame 102 and/or pivot arm 124, for example, and may generally be configured to allow a user to select a positioning of the work arm 116. The movement arm selector 150 may allow a user to position the work arm 116 such that the face pad 112 is closer to the user or further away from the user, when the user is seated in the seat assembly 104. In some embodiments, a pin, such as but not limited to an adjustable pop pin or spring ball, having one or more selectable positions on the movement arm selector 150 and may allow the work arm 116 and/or pivot arm 124 to be arranged in one or more positions. For example, the plate 152 may have one or more selectable holes 154, such as three holes, configured to receive the pin. The holes 154 may be configured to align with one or more holes arranged on the pivot arm 124, such that a pin may be placed through the aligned holes. The holes 154 may be configured to position the work arm 116 and/or pivot arm 124 so as to isolate and exercise the capital muscles of the head and/or the cervical muscles of the neck. The movement arm 150 selector may help to isolate head and/or neck muscles of a user so as to provide relatively direct stimulation to the head and neck muscles. In some embodiments, the movement arm selector 150 may have one or more bumpers 156 to prevent excess movement or rotation of the work arm 116 and/or pivot arm 124 when the pin is not in place to position the work arm and/or pivot arm with respect to the one or more holes 154.

In some embodiments, the range limiter 142 may operate in conjunction with the movement arm selector 150 to limit various ranges of motion. That is, the degree to which the range limiter 142 may limit the range of motion of the weight arm 118 may depend, at least in part, on the position of the movement arm selector 150. For example, when a particular position is selected on the movement arm selector 150, such as by arranging the pin in a particular hole 154, engaging the range limiter 142 may operate to limit the range of motion of the weight arm 118 to between approximately 5 and 15 degrees in some embodiments. Moreover, when a different position is selected on the movement arm selector 150, engaging the range limiter 142 may operate to limit the range of motion of the weight arm 118 to between approximately 20 and 30 degrees, for example. In other embodiments, the range limiter 142 may operate to limit a range of motion of the weight arm 118 to different degree(s) with respect to different positions or settings of the movement arm selector 150.

As indicated above, the head and neck strengthening apparatus 100 may have a seat assembly 104. The seat assembly 104 may be configured to support and position a user to use the apparatus 100 effectively. The seat assembly 104 is shown, according to a least one embodiment, in FIGS. 11-13. The seat assembly 104 may have a seat portion 158 arranged on an inner tube 160, the inner tube housed in a tube housing 162. The seat portion 158 may be a relatively round or circular seat in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the seat portion 158 may be configured to allow a user to sit facing two, three, four, or more directions. In this way, the seat portion 158 may have a relatively flat upper surface, such that a user may sit facing any suitable direction. In other embodiments, the seat portion 158 may be contoured to receive a seated user. In some embodiments, the seat portion 158 may have padding to increase comfort of the user. The tube housing 162 may be coupled to the frame 102. The inner tube 160 may have one or more holes configured to align with one or more holes in the tube housing 162 and configured to receive a pin 164, such that the height of the seat portion may be adjusted. In some embodiments, a foot pedal mechanism 166 may allow a user to engage or disengage the pin 164 so as to adjust the seat assembly 104 easily. The foot pedal 166 may disengage the pin 164 via a hinge 168 when pressed by a user.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may have a torso support 106 configured to support and position a seated user's torso. In particular, the torso support 106 may be arranged and configured to align with a user's back, such as a user's upper, lower, or mid-back when the user is seated in the apparatus facing away from the torso support. The torso support 106 may help to mitigate rocking or swaying, and may help to stabilize the user's torso during one or more exercises. The torso support 106 is shown, according to at least one embodiment, in FIGS. 23-24. In some embodiments, the torso support 106 may have square or rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the torso support 106 may have any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the torso support 106 may have a cushioned surface 170, such as a foam surface, arranged over a frame 172. In one embodiment, the torso support 106 may have a multi-layered memory foam cushioned surface. The torso support frame 172 may be a metal frame, such as a metal plate. In other embodiments, the torso support 106 may have a wood, plastic, or other material frame. In some embodiments, the torso support 106 may be coupled to an inner tub or arm 174 housed in, partially housed in, or arranged through a tube housing 176. The inner tube 174 and tube housing 176 may each have one or more holes configured to receive a pin 178. The inner tube 174 may be pushed into or pulled out of the tube housing 176, and the holes may be aligned to receive a pin 178. In this way, a user may adjust the position of the torso support 106. In some embodiments, the torso support may be arranged on a vertical member 179 of the frame 102, as shown for example in FIGS. 1-6. The cushioned surface 170 of the torso support 106 may generally be arranged at approximately a 90 degree angle from the seat portion 158, such that when a user is seated on the seat portion, the torso support 106 may be directed toward the user's torso. Adjustment of the torso support 106 via the tube 174 and tube housing 176 may bring the torso support closer or further away from a user seated on the seat portion 158. The torso support 106 may generally provide comfortable support for a user's torso while the user is seated in the apparatus 100, which may help to isolate movement of the head and/or neck from the remainder of the body. This may generally help to minimize momentum from body sway and increase torso stabilization.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may additionally have a torso stabilizing bar 180 configured to provide a handle placement for a user's hands so as to align the user's torso in a desired position or form for a particular exercise motion. The torso stabilizing bar 180, according to at least one embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 14-16. In some embodiments, the torso stabilizing bar 180 may be arranged on or near the seat assembly 104, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. In some embodiments, the torso stabilizing bar 180 or “Rhino Horn” as the shape is sometimes referred to in the art, may have a U-shaped or C-shaped tube or bar 181 providing two handles 182. In some embodiments, the torso stabilizing bar 180 may have a single handle configured for both hands and/or may have a different shape or configuration. In some embodiments, the torso stabilizing bar 180 may be coupled to the seat assembly 104 via a bracket 182 or a square tube assembly, for example. The torso stabilizing bar 180 may be configured to position a user's hands near the seat portion 158 and generally toward the user's front and/or between the user's knees while seated. In some embodiments, the torso stabilizing bar may be piviotably coupled to the frame 102 and/or seat assembly 104. In this way, the torso stabilizing bar 180 may be configured to pivot between, for example, an engaged position for use and a disengaged position. The torso stabilizing bar 180 may be pivoted to the disengaged position when not in use for a particular exercise, such that a user may more easily perform other exercise(s) using the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the torso stabilizing bar 180 may generally allow a user to fixate the trapezius muscle during the execution of one or more exercise motions by positioning the user's hands in the desired position proximate to the seat portion 158 and/or between the user's knees. The torso stabilizing bar 180 may additionally cause a user to straighten his or her arms, or may generally reduce movement or bending of the arms, during an exercise. By fixating the trapezius muscle, this may help effectively isolate and exercises the capital muscles of the head. For example, when performing an exercise configured to use the sub-occipital muscles, a user may hold the torso stabilizing bar 180 with both hands so as to fixate the user's arms such that the trapezius may be generally or primarily unable to contribute to the exercise. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may have more than one torso stabilizing bar 180.

In addition to, or alternative to, the torso stabilizing bar 180, the apparatus 100 may have one or more handles 108 configured to position a user's hands, arms, shoulders, and/or torso in a desired position or form for one or more exercises. A handle configuration 186, according to at least one embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 17-19. The handle configuration 186 may have one or more handles 108, and in some embodiments four handles, arranged on a tubing that is coupled to the frame 102. The tubing may be configured to position the handles 108 ergonomically and to position a user's hands to help the user stabilize during one or more exercises. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the apparatus 100 may have more than one handle configuration 186 in some embodiments, such that a user may use the handles 108 when facing alternative directions to perform different exercises on the apparatus 100. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may have a first handle configuration 186 a configured to provide a hand position while a user faces a first direction. The first handle configuration 186 a may be arranged on the frame 102, such as on a first vertical member, at a height suitable for use while the user is seated on the seat portion. In some embodiments, the first handle configuration 186 a may be arranged on the same vertical member 179 as the torso support 106, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first handle configuration 186 a may be adjustable. For example, a height of the configuration 186 a or a distance between the configuration and the seat assembly 104 may be adjustable. A second handle configuration 186 b may be arranged in another position on the frame 102, so as to provide a hand position while a user faces a second direction. For example, the second handle configuration 186 b may be arranged on a second vertical member 188 of the frame 102. In some embodiments, the second handle configuration 186 b may be adjustable in one or more respects. By holding the various handle configurations 186 a user may generally fixate the upper torso muscles, which may effectively isolate and exercises the capital and cervical muscles of the head & neck.

In some embodiments, an apparatus of the present disclosure may additionally have a foot support configured to provide a bar, platform, or other surface on which a user may position his or her feet while seated on or in the apparatus. FIG. 29 shows an example of a head and neck strengthening apparatus 200 of the present disclosure having a foot support 190. FIG. 30 shows a detail view of the foot support 290. As shown, in some embodiments, the foot support 290 may provide a bar 292 configured to receive a user's feet while the user is seated on the seat assembly 204. The foot support 292 may be arranged on the frame 202, such as on a vertical member 288 of the frame. In some embodiments, the foot support 290 may be arranged on the same vertical member 288 as one or more handle configurations 286. In some embodiments, the foot support 290 may be configured to be adjustable in one or more respects. For example, the foot support 290 may be configured to have an adjustable height. In some embodiments, the foot support 290 may have a coupling sleeve 294 configured to couple the foot support to the frame 202. The coupling sleeve 294 may be configured to engage one or more holes 296 on the frame 202, such as one or more holes ranged on a vertical member 288. The sleeve 294 may have one or more pins 298, or may be configured to receive one or more pins to engage with the holes 296 of the frame 202. In other embodiments, the sleeve 294 may have one or more hooks or notches configured to engage with the one or more holes of the frame. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may have more than one foot supports 290 configured for foot placement in different seating positions or directions.

In some embodiments, an apparatus of the present disclosure may have a head strap configured to secure a user's head against the face pad 112 so as to help facilitate form or positioning of the user in one or more exercises. The head strap 190 is shown, according to at least one embodiment, in FIGS. 25-26. The head strap 190 may include an elastic and/or durable material, such as an elastic band that is double stitched for durability. The head strap 190 may have any suitable length and width, and in some embodiments may have a length of approximately 19 inches and a width of approximately 2 inches. The head strap may couple to the face pad 112, work arm 116, frame 102, and/or a different element of the apparatus 100 via any suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the head strap 190 may couple to the face pad 112 using one or more female/male snaps 192. This feature may secure the user's head against the face pad 112 to better facilitate proper form through particular exercises including, for example, a limited range neck flexion.

It is to be appreciated that the apparatus 100 may generally be configured and positioned to accommodate and receive a seated user. In this way, the face pad 112 may be arranged generally above the seat assembly 104, at a height configured to generally align with a seated user's head. For example, the face pad 112 and seat assembly 104 may be separated by a vertical distance of between about 1 foot and about 5 feet. Particularly, the face pad 112 and seat assembly 104 may be separated by a vertical distance of between about 2 feet and about 3 feet. The vertical distance between the seat assembly 104 and face pad 112 may be adjustable, such as by adjusting a height of the seat portion 158. Similarly, the torso support may be arranged generally above the seat assembly 104, at a height configured to generally align with a seated user's lower, mid, or upper back. For example, the torso support 106 and seat assembly 104 may be separated by a vertical distance of between about 0.1 feet and about 3 feet. In particular, the torso support 106 and seat assembly 104 may be separated by a vertical distance of between about 0.5 and about 1.5 feet. The vertical distance between the torso support 106 and seat assembly 104 may be adjustable, such as by adjusting a height of the seat portion 158. Moreover, the foot support 190 may be arranged generally below the seat assembly 104, at a height configured to generally align with a seated user's feet. For example, the foot support 190 and seat portion 158 may be separated by a vertical distance of between about 1 foot and about 5 feet. In particular, the foot support 190 and seat portion 158 may be separated by a vertical distance of between about 2.5 and about 3.5 feet. The vertical distance between the seat portion 158 and foot support 190 may be adjustable, such as by adjusting a height of the seat portion 158 and/or of the foot support 190. Moreover, the handle configurations 186 may be arranged generally above the seat assembly 104, at a height configured to generally align with a seated user's hands. For example, one or more handle configurations may be configured to provide a hand hold for a seated user with elbows bent at approximately 90 degrees.

In addition to the features described herein, a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure may additionally have features described in, or similar to those described in, U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,414, filed Jan. 20, 2011, and entitled Neck Exercise Machine; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,597, filed May 8, 1992, and entitled Method of Testing and/or Exercising the Cervical Muscles of the Human Body, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In use, the apparatus may provide a means for strengthening a user's capital and/or cervical muscles. A user may perform a variety of different exercises using the apparatus. For example, the user may sit on the seat assembly in a variety of positions or facing a variety of directions. In different seated positions, different sides or portions of the user's head or face may contact the face pad. In this way, the user may use different motions, and in some cases different muscles, depending on the user's seated position, to push against the face pad.

Turning, for example, to the apparatus 100 shown again in FIG. 31, some exercises may be performed with a user seated on the seat assembly 104, facing a first direction 302. Seated in the first direction 302, the user's face may be directed toward the face pad 112, the user's chest may be directed toward the torso support 106, and the user's legs and feet may generally be pointed toward the direction of the torso support. The user may be seated with feet flat on the floor or on a foot support. The user may place hands on one or more handles 108 arranged generally in front of the user, such as on the first handle configuration 186 a. The user may place his or her forehead and/or cheeks against the face pad 112. From this position, the user may perform a neck flexion, head nod, and/or other suitable exercise. A neck flexion may include a user pressing his or her forehead and/or cheek bones against the face pad 112 while rotating the head generally forward, thereby pushing against the work arm 116. A neck flexion may generally target the following muscles: sternocleidomastoideus, anterior scalene, middle scalene, and/or others. A head nod may be or include a neck flexion with a limited or reduced range of motion. That is, a head nod, or limited range neck flexion, may be performed in the same seated position as the neck flexion. The user may rotate the head forward, but stop the rotation before reaching full flexion, or otherwise stop the rotation at a desired degree or level of rotation. In some embodiments, the limited range neck extension may include rotating the head forward to approximately 10 degrees of rotation. In some embodiments, the range limiter 142 may be adjusted or set in order to limit the range of motion of the work arm 116. A limited range neck flexion may generally target the following muscles: longs capitis, rectus capitis anterior and lateral, suprahyoid, hyoid, and/or others.

Other exercises may be performed with a user seated on the seat assembly 104, facing a second direction 304, as shown for example in FIG. 31. The second direction 304 may generally oppose the first direction 302. Seated in the second direction 304, the back of the user's head may be directed toward the face pad 112, and the user's back may be directed toward the torso support 106. In some embodiments, a user's legs may be arranged on either side of the torso stabilizing bar 180, and the user's feet may be pointed in a direction of the open U-shape of the torso stabilizing bar. The user may be seated with feet flat on the floor or on a foot support. The user may hold the torso stabilizing bar 180 with both hands to stabilize the trapezius and/or other muscles for the exercise. The user may place the back of his or her head against the face pad 112. From this position, the user may perform a neck extension, head tilt, and/or other suitable exercise. A neck extension may include a user pressing the back of his or her head against the face pad 112 while rotating the head generally back, thereby pushing against the work arm 116. A neck extension may generally target the following muscles: trapezius and in particular an upper portion of the trapezius, semispinalis cervicis, longissimus cervicis, splenius cervicis, ligamentum nuchae, and/or others. A head tilt may be or include a neck extension with a limited or reduced range of motion. That is, a head tilt, or limited range neck extension, may be performed in the same seated position as the neck extension. The user may rotate the head back, but stop the rotation before reaching full extension, or otherwise stop the rotation at a desired degree or level of rotation. In some embodiments, a limited range neck extension may include rotating the head back to approximately 25 degrees of rotation. In some embodiments, the range limiter 142 may be adjusted or set in order to limit the range of motion of the work arm 116. A limited range neck extension may generally target the following muscles: splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, longissimus capitis/cactus, obliges capitis inferior and superior, rictus capitis posterior minor, rictus capitis posterior major, ligamentum nuchae, and/or others.

Other exercises may be performed with a user seated on the seat assembly, facing a third 306 direction or fourth 308 direction, as shown for example in FIG. 31. Each of the third 306 and fourth 308 direction may be approximately orthogonal to the first 302 and second 304 directions. The third 306 and fourth 308 directions may generally oppose one another. Seated in the third direction 306, the user's left ear may generally face the face pad 112, and the user's left arm and/or shoulder may generally be directed toward the torso support 106. The user's feet may point forward the third direction 306. Similarly, while seated in the fourth direction 308, the user's right ear may generally face the face pad 112, and the user's right arm and/or shoulder may generally be directed toward the torso support 106. The user's feet may point toward the fourth direction 308. The user may be seated with feet flat on the floor or on a foot support. In some embodiments, the user may place hands on one or more handles 108. The user may place the left side (for the third direction 306) or the right side (for the fourth direction 308) of his or her head against the face pad 112. From this position, the user may perform a neck lateral flexion, or other suitable exercise. A neck lateral flexion may include a user pressing a side of his or her face and/or head and an ear against the face pad 112 while rotating the head generally toward the face pad and down. A neck lateral flexion may generally target the following muscles: rectus capitis lateralis, obliges capitis inferior and superior, intertransversarii, multifidi, iliocostalis cervicis longus colli, lavatory scapulae, scalenus anterior, scalenus posterior, and/or others.

FIG. 32 illustrates a method 400 of using the apparatus, according to one or more embodiments. The method 400 may generally include the steps of applying weight to the apparatus 402; adjusting one or more elements of the apparatus 404; recording the adjustments made 406; sitting in the apparatus facing a desired position 408; performing a dynamic exercise 410; and charting training progress 412. In some embodiments, the method 400 may include additional and/or alternative steps. In some embodiments, the user may use the apparatus with the help or guidance of a coach, trainer, or other individual.

Apply weight to apparatus 402 may include applying one or more weight objects to the apparatus. For example, one or more weight training plates may be applied to the weight arm. In other embodiments, other types of weights or weight objects may be applied to the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may have a weight adjustment or weight selector. The weights or weight objects may generally be applied to resist motion of the work arm, as described above. The user may apply a desired amount of weight to achieve a desired level of resistance for the exercise to be performed.

Adjusting one or more elements of the apparatus 404 may include adjusting a seat height, foot support height, handle arrangement or location, torso support location, and/or any other suitable adjustment(s). The one or more adjustments may be made to help ensure that a user is seated in a desired or proper position within the apparatus so as to be able to perform an exercise effectively. The one or more adjustments may additionally help increase the user's comfort. In some embodiments, adjustments may be made based on previously recorded preferences or settings.

In some embodiments, the one or more adjustments may be recorded 406. In this way, a user may be able to replicate the same settings when performing the exercise at another time.

A user may sit on the seat portion of the apparatus, with face, torso, legs, and feet facing a desired direction 408. For example, as described above, the user may sit facing a first, second, third, or fourth direction in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the user may face any other desired direction. As described above, the direction the user faces may depend on the exercise to be performed.

The user may perform a dynamic exercise using the apparatus 410. The exercise may generally be an exercise configured to strengthen the user's capital and/or cervical muscles. For example, a user may perform a neck extension, neck flexion, lateral neck extension, limited motion neck extension, limited motion neck flexion, or any other suitable exercise. In general, the exercise performed may include pushing against the resistance of the weight added to the machine. The dynamic exercise may require that the user move his or her head forward, backward, or laterally. In some embodiments, the user may perform an isometric hold in a contracted position in a midrange of the exercise, for example. The user may perform any suitable number of repetitions of the exercise. In some embodiments, the user may perform the exercise until the user feels fatigued, or until the user can no longer maintain a desirable form while performing the exercise. In some embodiments, the user may increase or decrease weight to increase or decrease resistance before or after one or more repetitions.

In some embodiments, the user may chart his or her training progress 412. For example, the user may record the amount of weight added to the apparatus, the number of repetitions performed, or other statistics or features of the user's exercise performance. By charting progress, the user may be able to easily visualize or recognize his or her progress over time. Such documentation may also be used as return to play criteria for determining a user's suitability to recommence previous activity once a certain percentage of pre-concussed strength is regained in the capital muscles and cervical muscles.

In some embodiments, a user may perform a plurality of exercises in a particular sequence or order. For example, it may be desirable or beneficial to perform one or more exercises to generally facilitate a pre-fatiguing of the user's larger strap muscles of the neck, such that the user's smaller capital muscles may be more effectively isolated in subsequent exercises. FIG. 33 illustrates one embodiment of an exercise sequence 500. As shown, the sequence 500 may include performing a neck extension 502, performing a neck flexion 504, performing a lateral neck flexion on each of the right and left sides 506, 508, performing a head tilt (or a limited range neck extension) 510, and performing a head nod (or a limited range neck flexion) 512. Each exercise may be performed for any suitable number of repetitions before moving on to the next exercise. In other embodiments, additional or alternative exercises may be included in the sequence 500. In still other embodiments, exercises may be performed in any other suitable sequence or order. Moreover, in some embodiments, other exercises using other equipment or machinery may be included in a sequence. For example, bilateral seated or standing shrugs, ISO-lateral seated or standing shrugs, lateral rows, scapular retractions, scapular retractions with a 90 degree row, lavatory shrugs, and/or other exercises may be used in combination with any of the above described exercises.

It will thus be seen that the methods and apparatus of the present invention may exercise the capital head muscles and/or cervical neck muscles with a relatively high degree of control and accuracy so that meaningful results may be achieved and recorded. The dynamic exercise of the present invention may be effective to rehabilitate and/or strengthen the muscles in a way that may be prudent and guard against injury to the muscles. Moreover, it is noted that the apparatus of the present invention may be safely and accurately operated by a novice without requiring special skills. The methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may lead to increased passive stiffness of the head and/or neck, increased resistance to deformation forces, lowering of concussive and subconcussive forces, enhanced athleticism with quicker head mobility, increased maximum oxygen uptake, increased blood flow to and from the brain, reduction of headaches, and/or other health and physiological benefits.

The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure may help to efficiently, accurately, and safely train or strengthen a user's capital and/or cervical muscles. The methods and apparatuses described herein may generally incorporate yieldable safe resistance to oppose movement of the neck and head, in contrast to isokinetic or constant velocity loading methods which may impose a risk of injury to the neck. Moreover, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure may provide for simple and easily followed training or strengthening exercises that allow a user to easily have good positioning and form, thus increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the exercise. Particularly, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure may help to isolate particular head and/or neck muscles, such as by use of a torso support, particularly arranged handles, and a range limiter, such that a user may effectively target those muscles for strengthening and/or training. The apparatuses and methods described herein may further allow a user to easily and accurately measure or track strength and/or training progress over time.

Muscles that may be strengthened or trained by the apparatuses and systems of the present include, but not limited to, longus collii, longus capitis, scalenus medius, scalenus anterior, scalenus posterior, levator scapulae, sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternocleidomastoid, platysma, ligamentum nuchae, posterior atlanto-occipital membrane, transversospinalis rotatores, rectus capitis lateralis, rectus capitis posterior minor, rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior, transversospinalis multifidus, transversospinalis semispinalis capitis, erector spinae spinalis capitis, erector spinae iliocostalis cervicis, erector spinae longissimus capitis, splenius capitis, rhomboideus major, trapezius proximal region, trapezius middle region, trapezius distal region, deltoid posteriorlatissimus dorsi, and/or other muscles, regions, or ligaments of the body.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied as a method (including, for example, a computer-implemented process, a business process, and/or any other process), apparatus (including, for example, a system, machine, device, computer program product, and/or the like), or a combination of the foregoing.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods. Although a flowchart or block diagram may illustrate a method as comprising sequential steps or a process as having a particular order of operations, many of the steps or operations in the flowchart(s) or block diagram(s) illustrated herein can be performed in parallel or concurrently, and the flowchart(s) or block diagram(s) should be read in the context of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the order of the method steps or process operations illustrated in a flowchart or block diagram may be rearranged for some embodiments. Similarly, a method or process illustrated in a flow chart or block diagram could have additional steps or operations not included therein or fewer steps or operations than those shown. Moreover, a method step may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, etc.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” or “generally” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that is “substantially free of” or “generally free of” an element may still actually contain such element as long as there is generally no significant effect thereof.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

We claim:
 1. A head and neck strengthening apparatus comprising: a seat assembly for supporting a seated user; a resistance assembly comprising: a work arm configured to pivot about a first axis; a face pad arranged above the seat assembly and coupled to the work arm, the face pad configured to engage the seated user's head; a cam arranged on a cam rod and configured to pivot about the first axis; and means for providing a weighted resistance against movement of the work arm and cam about the first axis; and a frame configured to support the seat assembly and resistance assembly.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pivot arm coupled to the work arm and configured to pivot about the first axis, the first axis bisecting a point along the length of the pivot arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a movement arm selector configured to position the pivot arm.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for providing a weighted resistance comprises: a weight arm configured to receive a load; and a belt coupled at a first end to the cam, the belt coupled at a second end to the weight arm.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the belt is configured to wrap around the cam as the cam pivots about the first axis.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a torso support arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from a seat portion of the seat assembly, the torso support configured to support a seated user's torso.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the face pad is pivotably coupled to the work arm and is configured to engage the front, back, or side of the seated user's head.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a range limiter configured to limit a range of pivotable motion of the work arm and cam.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the range limiter is configured to limit pivotable motion of the work arm and cam to a degree of rotation of between 5 and 25 degrees.
 10. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a torso stabilizing bar comprising at least one handle and configured and arranged to position the seated user's trapezius muscle in a relatively fixed position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle for positioning the seated user's hands.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a foot support for supporting the seated user's feet.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one component of the apparatus is adjustable.
 14. A method of strengthening a group of muscles, the method comprising: performing an exercise over a range of motion so as to fatigue a first muscle; and performing the exercise over a smaller range of motion so as to target a second muscle, the second muscle being smaller than the first muscle.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first muscle is a neck muscle, and the second muscle is a head muscle.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein performing the exercise comprises performing a flexion against a weighted resistance.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein performing the exercise comprises performing an extension against a weighted resistance.
 18. A method of strengthening capital and cervical muscles, the method comprising: performing a neck extension against a weighted resistance; performing a neck flexion against a weighted resistance; performing the neck extension with a reduced range of motion against a weighted resistance; and performing the neck flexion with a reduced range of motion against a weighted resistance.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: performing a neck lateral flexion on a first side against a weighted resistance; and performing a neck lateral flexion on a second side against a weighted resistance.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the weighted resistance is provided by a head and neck strengthening apparatus comprising: a seat assembly for supporting a seated user; a resistance assembly comprising: a work arm configured to pivot about a first axis; a face pad arranged above the seat assembly and coupled to the work arm, the face pad configured to engage the seated user's head; a cam arranged on a cam rod and configured to pivot about the first axis; and means for providing a weighted resistance against movement of the work arm and cam about the first axis; and a frame configured to support the seat assembly and resistance assembly. 